Vaishali Rameshbabu Creates History: Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025, Anish Giri Crowned Men’s Champion

Introduction: A Golden Chapter for Indian Chess

Indian chess continues to shine on the world stage. At the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, held in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu produced a stellar performance to clinch the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title. This victory is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Indian chess.

The 24-year-old claimed the crown for the second consecutive time, having also won the event in 2023. With this triumph, Vaishali has secured direct qualification to the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, where the challenger for the Women’s World Championship will be decided.

In the open (men’s) section, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri outplayed the field, scoring 8 points out of 11. He defeated American GM Hans Niemann in the final round to lift the trophy, pocket $90,000, and confirm his spot in the FIDE Candidates 2026.

Vaishali Rameshbabu: India’s New Queen of Chess

Back-to-Back Champion

Vaishali’s road to victory was filled with grit and brilliance. She stunned Ukraine’s Mariya Muzychuk earlier in the tournament to share the lead, before sealing the crown with a crucial draw against China’s Tan Zhongyi in the final round. With a final score of 7.5/10, Vaishali stood tall as the undisputed champion.

Winning the Grand Swiss two years in a row is a rare achievement in women’s chess, and Vaishali has now etched her name alongside the legends of the game.

Qualification for Candidates 2026

By triumphing in Samarkand, Vaishali has booked her ticket to the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. This event is the gateway to the Women’s World Championship, and Vaishali will now compete for the highest honor in chess.

Pride for Indian Chess

Third Indian Woman in Candidates 2026

Vaishali has joined an elite club of Indian women who have qualified for the Candidates. Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy had already secured their spots, making Vaishali the third Indian woman in the 2026 lineup. This marks a historic moment: never before have three Indian women been part of the Candidates Tournament together.

Congratulatory Messages from PM Modi and Anand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vaishali on social media, praising her “dedication and determination” and wishing her a bright future.
Indian legend and former World Champion Viswanathan Anand also lauded her achievement, calling it an extraordinary feat: “Winning the Grand Swiss twice is something very few players can boast of. We are proud of her resilience and hard work.”

Anish Giri Dominates the Open Section

Brilliant Final Round Victory

The men’s section of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 saw cutthroat competition till the very end. Dutch GM Anish Giri played a flawless final round, defeating American GM Hans Niemann to reach 8/11 points. This emphatic victory gave him the crown and the confidence to challenge for the world title.

Matthias Bluebaum Joins the Candidates

The second qualification spot from the Grand Swiss went to Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum, who drew with France’s Alireza Firouzja in the final round. With 7.5/11 and superior tiebreaks, Bluebaum grabbed the crucial Candidates berth. Firouzja, despite finishing with the same score, had to settle for third place.

Tournament Highlights

Women’s Section

Vaishali’s key win over Mariya Muzychuk propelled her into joint lead.
A composed draw against China’s Tan Zhongyi sealed her second Grand Swiss crown.
Her calm yet aggressive style showcased her maturity as a world-class player.

Men’s Section

The final day was filled with tension as eight players were still in contention for the Candidates spot.
Bluebaum’s strategic draw proved enough, while others needed outright wins.
Germany’s Vincent Keymer failed to defeat India’s Arjun Erigaisi, ending his hopes.
Rising star Andy Woodward also fell short against China’s Yu Yangyi.

Performance of Indian Players

While Vaishali took the limelight with her historic win, other Indian players also fought hard in Samarkand.

Arjun Erigaisi held firm against Keymer in a crucial last-round clash.
Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh had already secured their Candidates berths earlier, giving India a strong presence in the women’s competition.
Young talents like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali’s brother, continued to display promise on the global stage.

India’s Rising Chess Power

The Next Generation

Names like Vaishali Rameshbabu, Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh, and Arjun Erigaisi symbolize the new wave of Indian chess. Their consistent performances in top international tournaments underline India’s growing dominance.

Anand’s Legacy Lives On

The journey began with Viswanathan Anand, India’s first World Champion. Today, the younger generation is carrying forward his legacy, turning India into a true chess superpower.

Why This Victory Matters

Rare Back-to-Back Triumph – Winning the Grand Swiss twice in a row is a monumental achievement.
Multiple Indians in Candidates – With three women already in the 2026 Candidates, India has unprecedented representation.
Global Recognition – Vaishali’s success boosts India’s reputation in women’s chess.
Inspiration for Youth – Her story inspires countless young players dreaming of making it big.

The Road Ahead: Dreaming of the World Title

The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 will now be Vaishali’s biggest test. Victory there would propel her into a World Championship match – the ultimate dream for any chess player. India will be watching closely as she steps onto that grand stage.

Conclusion: A Glorious Future for Indian Chess

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand will be remembered as a landmark event in Indian chess history. Vaishali Rameshbabu’s back-to-back triumph has filled the nation with pride and established her as a future world title contender.

Alongside her, Anish Giri’s commanding victory and Matthias Bluebaum’s qualification added to the drama and prestige of the event. As the chess world now looks forward to the Candidates 2026, one thing is clear: the torch of Indian chess burns brighter than ever, and the future is golden.